Blason d'Issan 2016

Volume: 750ml
Vintage: 2016
ABV: 13.5%

£53.00

Member Price: £42.40

BLASON D’ISSAN · 2016 · MARGAUX · 93 JAMES SUCKLING POINTS · 91 DECANTER POINTS

The second wine of the prestigious Château d’Issan, a Third Growth of the 1855 Margaux classification, Blason d’Issan offers an elegant and beautifully approachable expression of one of Bordeaux’s most celebrated appellations. The exceptional 2016 vintage combines ripe red and black fruits with lifted floral aromas, fresh acidity and fine-grained tannins. A blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, it is rounded and generous while retaining the freshness and finesse associated with Margaux. Aged in French oak with 35% new barrels, the wine has developed beautifully, with layers of cassis, blackberry, cherry, tobacco and subtle spice.

A beautifully mature Margaux with silky tannins, generous dark fruit and impressive pedigree — backed by 93 James Suckling and 91 Decanter points.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Deep ruby-garnet with purple reflections.
Nose: Fresh cherry and red berries, with cassis, subtle tobacco, gentle herbal notes and a delicate savoury character.
Palate: Ripe and expressive, with vibrant red-fruit and blackcurrant flavours supported by elegant, structured tannins. The Cabernet Sauvignon brings finesse and freshness, while the Merlot adds roundness and softness.
Finish: Long, fresh and refined, with a lovely return of crunchy cassis, red berries and subtle mineral-savoury notes.

Perfect For

Suggested Dishes: Fillet steak, roast beef, lamb, venison, duck, game, beef Wellington, roast vegetables and mature cheeses.
Suggested Occasions: Dinner parties, Sunday roasts, special celebrations, fine dining and relaxed evenings when you want a classic Bordeaux.
Suggested Sporting Occasions: Rugby internationals, Six Nations, Rugby World Cup, golf days, The Open, cricket internationals and post-match dinners.

Details

Style: Classic Saint-Estèphe Bordeaux Red
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux — Médoc
Appellation: Saint-Estèphe AOC
Producer: Château Lafon-Rochet
Vineyard: Château Lafon-Rochet, Saint-Estèphe — the estate's younger vines are used for Les Pèlerins.
Grape Variety: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot.
Closure: Cork
Drinking Window: 2022–2028. At ten years old, the 2016 is in a very attractive drinking phase, while its Cabernet-led structure and tannins give it capacity to develop further in good cellaring conditions.
Serving Temp: 16–18°C
Decanting Advice: Decant for around 30–60 minutes before serving. This will help the mature fruit and savoury complexity open while allowing the tannins to soften.
Cellaring Potential: 2–4 years, although it is ready to drink now.
Oak/Cask Ageing: 12 months in barrels.

Awards & Medals

91 Falstaff Points, tasting by Peter Moser, 2019.

“This is exactly why I love mature Bordeaux. Lovely cassis and red-fruit character with that subtle tobacco and savoury edge, and the tannins have softened beautifully. Elegant rather than overpowering and absolutely gorgeous with a good steak.” - Reuben L

Peter Moser's 2019 tasting described the wine as showing fresh cherry, tobacco and subtle spice, with juicy red-berry fruit, savoury character, lively acidity and a mineral-saline touch.